Monuments & mounds

Eros Bendato Head on the Main Square in Kraków

On Kraków’s Main Square, at the junction of St Anne and Wiślna streets, lies a monumental bronze head with empty eye sockets and leather straps. This is Eros Bendato by Igor Mitoraj, a sculpture that has become one of the most recognisable contemporary accents in Kraków’s historic centre.

Eros Bendato on the Main Square

The work is about 3.7 m long and 2.25 m high. It shows the head of a young man lying on its side; the title refers to Eros and the Italian word bendato, meaning “bound”. The sculpture came to Kraków in 2005 as a gift from the artist to the city, after Mitoraj’s works had been displayed in public space. Its stark form and missing face leave plenty of room for personal interpretation.

Things to see nearby

Eros stands in the heart of Kraków’s Old Town, a few steps from the Cloth Hall, the Town Hall Tower and St Mary’s Basilica. Combine the stop with a walk around the square, a visit to the International Cultural Centre, or a stroll along St Anne and Wiślna streets towards the Planty park.

Practical information

The sculpture is on an open public square, so it can be viewed free of charge without a ticket or reservation. The easiest approach is from the Town Hall Tower; the square is busy in high season and at weekends, so mornings are better for quieter photos. View the work from ground level, keep a safe distance and do not climb onto it.